Musician (Instrumental) — Subclass 189 Pathway
Skilled Independent visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- No sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-15 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Musician (Instrumental) for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — the one listed for the nominated ANZSCO code on this site.
Musician (Instrumental) × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Instrumental Musicians (ANZSCO 211213) are listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making this occupation eligible for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa. The Subclass 189 is a permanent points-tested visa with no employer, state, or family sponsor required. Applicants must lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and receive an invitation before applying. The legislative minimum points score is 65, though effective competitive scores are typically 90 or above across invitation rounds. Before submitting an EOI, applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from VETASSESS demonstrating that their qualifications and professional performance experience as an instrumental musician meet Australian standards. Applicants must be under 45 at invitation and hold Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent). The indicative application fee is from AUD 4,640, with typical processing times of 8 to 15 months. Permanent residency is granted on visa approval. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 189. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated MLTSSL occupation
- Submit Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and meet pass mark (currently 65, effective competitive minimum 90+)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Musician (Instrumental)
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Musician (Instrumental)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.